Beating the waves of differences between the geography in The Great Gatsby
In The Great Gatsby geography repeatedly underscores the established social differences between the “nuevo riche” and “old money” (or the established social elite). But it doesn’t stop there. Geography also helps deliver many of Fitzgerald’s important messages such as commentary on the cost and quest for success, both economic and social. Indeed , Fitzgerald’s political views even factor in at times. We see this over and over again in East v. West Egg, the valley of ashes and even the final lines of the novel as Fitzgerald describes the boats beating on and on against the current.
East vs. West Egg: A comparison
First off let’s take a look at the physical location. …show more content…
The role of geography in the delivery of the novel 's most important metaphor is essential. When Nick speaks of the green light, he speaks literally of "the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." What this means is that, as young people, they are seeking their ultimate dreams of happiness in their future and the perfection of their goals and accomplishments. These goals are obviously very difficult to attain, and often impossible; such is the nature of perfection. But still, they strive on for perfection because in their pursuit, they achieve more and more unprecedented happiness and greatness, even if their ultimate goal is never attained. Because of this, they are doomed (or privileged) to repeat their quest for all of eternity, "borne back ceaselessly into the past." The great distance of this goal is represented by the literal distance of the green light in the novel, as well as the use of the ocean--the vast expanse of unending waters in which the boats pursue their goals. Only with the careful, calculated use of geography in the ideas presented here does the metaphor truly hold. So, in conclusion, the role of geography in The Great Gatsby is clear and specific, but also widespread. On multiple occasions Fitzgerald uses it as social commentary, as a platform for his own political views, and as a vehicle for the delivery of complex--but deeply profound--metaphors. There can be no doubt that without the use of geography, The Great Gatsby would be arguably far less memorable, especially considering the deep profundity of the closing line 's impact upon Modern literature. It truly does prove key in the delivery of Fitzgerald 's messages time after
In The Great Gatsby geography repeatedly underscores the established social differences between the “nuevo riche” and “old money” (or the established social elite). But it doesn’t stop there. Geography also helps deliver many of Fitzgerald’s important messages such as commentary on the cost and quest for success, both economic and social. Indeed , Fitzgerald’s political views even factor in at times. We see this over and over again in East v. West Egg, the valley of ashes and even the final lines of the novel as Fitzgerald describes the boats beating on and on against the current.
East vs. West Egg: A comparison
First off let’s take a look at the physical location. …show more content…
The role of geography in the delivery of the novel 's most important metaphor is essential. When Nick speaks of the green light, he speaks literally of "the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." What this means is that, as young people, they are seeking their ultimate dreams of happiness in their future and the perfection of their goals and accomplishments. These goals are obviously very difficult to attain, and often impossible; such is the nature of perfection. But still, they strive on for perfection because in their pursuit, they achieve more and more unprecedented happiness and greatness, even if their ultimate goal is never attained. Because of this, they are doomed (or privileged) to repeat their quest for all of eternity, "borne back ceaselessly into the past." The great distance of this goal is represented by the literal distance of the green light in the novel, as well as the use of the ocean--the vast expanse of unending waters in which the boats pursue their goals. Only with the careful, calculated use of geography in the ideas presented here does the metaphor truly hold. So, in conclusion, the role of geography in The Great Gatsby is clear and specific, but also widespread. On multiple occasions Fitzgerald uses it as social commentary, as a platform for his own political views, and as a vehicle for the delivery of complex--but deeply profound--metaphors. There can be no doubt that without the use of geography, The Great Gatsby would be arguably far less memorable, especially considering the deep profundity of the closing line 's impact upon Modern literature. It truly does prove key in the delivery of Fitzgerald 's messages time after